During her lifetime, 99-year-old College of the Canyons graduate and Agua Dulce resident Doreetha Daniels has lived through the Great Depression, World War II and the fall of Nazi Germany, the Civil Rights movement, the moon landing, the collapse of the Berlin Wall and end of the Cold War and, and most recently, the ushering in of the digital information age.
But with all the drama the past has offered, Daniels — who is originally from North Platte, Nebraska — had yet to be presented with a challenge quite like earning her associate degree.
However, when she walks across the stage to receive her diploma on Friday, June 5, Daniels will have accomplished her own personal goal of earning a degree before turning 100.
She will also cement her legacy as a College of the Canyons first.
“There will be some tears of accomplishment for sure,” said Daniels, who will hold the record for being the oldest COC graduate in the college’s 45-year history. “I understand that to earn a degree in college at age 99, that’s a bit unusual.”
Ernie Stone/COC Public Information Office
In spring 2009, Daniels began taking courses at the college’s Canyon Country campus with a goal to earn her degree and walk at graduation.
To those who may have wondered why Daniels would pursue such a goal so late in life, Daniels simply explained she had always lived life to the fullest, and achieved many things, but never completed her education.
While most students attend college to earn a degree with the hope of launching a career or enhancing their skillset in order to climb the corporate ladder, Doreetha came to COC simply to better herself.
Surrounded by students typically ranging in age from 18 to 24 years old, Daniels was without question an outlier. As a result, she had to overcome a number of associated challenges on her educational journey.
Seemingly routine tasks, such as driving to school and traversing the campus, take considerably more effort to coordinate for Daniels than the average student.
In the classroom, other challenges presented themselves — namely the necessity of computer literacy in order to complete modern college courses. Daniels also experienced issues related to hearing class lectures and keeping pace with other students.
But she persevered — even when that meant venturing into the often-dreaded arena of college-level math and statistics courses.
“It’s been 63 years since I’ve taken algebra even,” said Daniels at the time. “But I’ve learned a lot.”
Recognizing these challenges, Daniels simply worked harder. And eventually, that work paid off.
Twice a week, she could be found studying, doing homework and working with tutors at the campus’ Tutoring & Learning Center (TLC) — all before class even started.
Touted as “one of the most dedicated and hardworking students in the class” Daniels passed the statistics course in fall 2014, and began her final semester at COC in the spring.
Along the way she completed one-unit internship in the college’s Counseling Department — again routinely arriving 20 minutes early each day to begin completing her assigned tasks.
She has also formed some lasting friendships during her time at COC.
“Doreetha is a living testament to the saying ‘if there is a will, there is a way,’” said COC counseling faculty member Liz Shaker, who helped Daniels navigate the process of fulfilling her graduation requirements. “Her desire to get out of bed each day and come to school and face the challenges in and outside of the classroom inspired us all. She is truly an amazing woman who has impacted my life and I feel so fortunate that I was able to experience her journey alongside her.”
Daniels’ story is an example of the type of unbridled ambition that is all too rare in today’s world.
Since arriving at the college in 2009 she has served as a continued source of inspiration to students, college staff and community members of all ages.
Last month, Daniels took the opportunity to reflect on the importance of education, when she asked to speak to some of her fellow students as part of a ‘Career and Life Planning’ course at the college.
“It seems like the iPhones in their lap are sometimes more important to students than what’s going on in the classroom,” said Daniels. “I think somebody needs to say something or something needs to happen to show the younger ones how special and unique their opportunity to learn is.”
By earning her degree and graduating, Daniels did just that.
Longtime Agua Dulce resident Doreetha S. Daniels, who became the oldest person ever to graduate from College of the Canyons in June 2015 at age 99, died Sunday. She was 103. Services are pending. Born April 25, 1916, in Hastings, Neb., Daniels graduated from high school in 1934 and came…
During her lifetime, 98-year-old Agua Dulce resident Doreetha Daniels has seen the United States overcome the Great Depression, the fall of Nazi Germany, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the collapse of the Berlin Wall. But with all the drama the past has offered her, Daniels has never…
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So awesome! As a teacher I love to hear of these types of success stories. Just proves that you are never too old to pursue higher education. Way to go!
I’ve known Doreetha for a few years now. She visited the TLC in Canyon Country almost every day. I hope she gets some special recognition during the graduation ceremony. I hope the Signal takes pictures.
My son graduated today, and they did have a special recognition for Ms. Daniels. They had a special Proclamation for her, and she received multiple standing ovations. Very moving. I know Channel 7 News was there to cover the story.
I used to her hair in beauty school, and at that time Mrs. Daniels would say she had no major because she wouldn’t live long enough to graduate. And look at you now!
I used to her hair in beauty school, and at that time Mrs. Daniels would say she had no major because she wouldn’t live long enough to graduate. And look at you now!
She used to be a customer in my used book store “Paperback Emporium.” What an amazing women she was then. I always admired her and loved to talk to her. Congratulations Dorothea.
Beginning Monday, March 17, at 6 a.m., Jet will be hosting “Jet into Work,” on 88.5-FM, The SoCal Sound which will lend a fun and upbeat start to listeners’ mornings.
Opera America, a nonprofit that supports opera in the United States, recently announced the 2025 recipients of two of its prestigious distinctions: the 2025 Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize and the Discovery Grants from its Opera Grants for Women Composers program.
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a business meeting Wednesday, March 12, beginning at 5 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 3 p.m.
On Saturday, March 22, College of the Canyons will hold Discover Day, an event that will give new and potential students the opportunity to explore program offerings and opportunities.
When a cyber-attack hit a local elementary school district in 2024, Hsiawen Hull, executive director of infrastructure and information security at College of the Canyons, pitched in to help them recover and guide their decisions to improve their security posture.
After the January wildfires, the county began a review to assess our evacuation policies and emergency alert systems. The state has also commissioned a review of our preparedness efforts, immediate response to the fires and the recovery time frame of the incident.
Island Pacific Santa Clarita is gearing up for a celebration of National Lumpia Day with a lumpia-eating contest on Saturday, March 15, from 3-6:30 p.m.
After a successful pilot program in the Saugus Union School District, School Day Café has expanded the use of a new, eco-friendly serving tray option across all Santa Clarita Valley elementary schools.
In support of “Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life,” the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency is developing a Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan to establish a comprehensive water conservation strategy.
The Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer invites the community to join the annual "Walk 4 MHF Help Kids Fight Cancer" to help raise awareness and support local families affected by childhood cancer.
The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society has announced that the St. Francis Dam Tour scheduled for Saturday, March 15 has been postponed until Saturday, April 26.
The city of Santa Clarita is enhancing local roadways with the upcoming 2024-2025 Citywide Major Thoroughfare Median Refurbishment Project on Plum Canyon Road.
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising Celebrity Waiter Dinner to be held Saturday, April 26 at the Bella Vida Senior Center.
The Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley 16th Annual Wine Affair: Wine, Beer and Cheer Big Hat Bash will be held Sunday, April 6 on Main Street in Old Town Newhall from noon to 5 p.m.
The city of Santa Clarita's art exhibition, "Saddle Up Santa Clarita" will run through Wednesday, May 14 at Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355.
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced that 10 high school seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
The Master's University Theater Arts presents 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde Fridays and Saturdays, March 21-29 at The Master's University, Music Recital Hall at 24736 Quigley Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Beginning Monday, March 17, at 6 a.m., Jet will be hosting “Jet into Work,” on 88.5-FM, The SoCal Sound which will lend a fun and upbeat start to listeners’ mornings.
Safely dispose of household hazardous waste and electronic waste for free 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the College of the Canyons Valencia Campus, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
The Music Center has announced 113 of Southern California’s most talented high school students have advanced in The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight program, which includes three students from the Santa Clarita Valley.
The track and field teams at The Master's University began their 2025 outdoor campaign at the Occidental Spring Break Classic on Saturday, March 8. Multiple qualifiers were added and a school record fell in the men's 4x100m relay.
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has announced the introduction of the Roads to Resilience Act, AB 1132, a piece of legislation designed to prioritize the needs of communities disproportionately impacted by climate disasters.
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54 Comments
So awesome.. I know her she ia a patient of ours at my doctors office
Owen Jessup me
This will probably be everyone that coc tricks into taking classes that aren’t uc transferable
What a slacker.
Really!!!
So awesome! As a teacher I love to hear of these types of success stories. Just proves that you are never too old to pursue higher education. Way to go!
#NeverTooLate
U see its never too late lol Mariano C Hdez
Way to go!
Wonderful
I’ve known Doreetha for a few years now. She visited the TLC in Canyon Country almost every day. I hope she gets some special recognition during the graduation ceremony. I hope the Signal takes pictures.
My son graduated today, and they did have a special recognition for Ms. Daniels. They had a special Proclamation for her, and she received multiple standing ovations. Very moving. I know Channel 7 News was there to cover the story.
She has a great mind. What a blessing.
Awesome!!!
Jasmine Budhu Ruys…is this who you were telling us about?? So great!!
That’s amazing!
Way to go Doreetha!
Omg.. Awesome, know her from women club.
Wow, congratulations!
Wonderful!
Congratulations!! ☆★☆
Congratulations!! ☆★☆
Amazing
Amazing
Well Doreetha looks like a small lady but she’s the BIGGEST inspiration to all of us. Congratulations!!
Well Doreetha looks like a small lady but she’s the BIGGEST inspiration to all of us. Congratulations!!
Joann, this made headlines in our local papers. Pretty outstanding. Shall we go back to school?
Joann, this made headlines in our local papers. Pretty outstanding. Shall we go back to school?
Wow, amazing woman.
Wow, amazing woman.
Good for her! :)
Good for her! :)
Awesome lady
Awesome lady
I used to her hair in beauty school, and at that time Mrs. Daniels would say she had no major because she wouldn’t live long enough to graduate. And look at you now!
I used to her hair in beauty school, and at that time Mrs. Daniels would say she had no major because she wouldn’t live long enough to graduate. And look at you now!
Congratulations Ms Daniels.
So cool right! We printed her diploma today. So cool. Best job ever.
She used to be a customer in my used book store “Paperback Emporium.” What an amazing women she was then. I always admired her and loved to talk to her. Congratulations Dorothea.
Inspirational and a blessing y o our community.
That its so amazing that A she is almost100 years old and B that she went to school and graduated. Way to go she its awesome.
I worked with Doreetha at the Canyon Country TLC, helping her use computers, I am overjoyed that she has achieved her goal.
Whatv an inspiration! And Im worried about going back to get my BSN at the age of 46. SMH silly me!!!
Laurie Canterbury TOTALLY THOUGHT OF YOU!
Daely Dewar
Congratulations :)
♡
Congrats!!! Inspiring story
What an amazing example of “it’s never too late” truly an inspiration!
We always loved Doreetha and her husband. What a great story!
Awesome!!!!!
Wonderful! !
Congratulations
Awesome! Congratulations Ms. Daniels!!
Oh my!!!!